LOMPOC — An inmate at the United States Penitentiary in Lompoc has died after contracting COVID-19.
In a press release, officials with the Bureau of Prisons said 75-year-old Jimmie Lee Houston reported to Health Services staff at the Satellite Prison Camp on April 8. He was evaluated and transported to a local hospital for treatment where he tested positive for COVID-19.
His condition reportedly declined three days later and he was placed on a ventilator.
Officials said Houston, who had long-term, pre-existing medical conditions, died Wednesday.
Houston, of Alaska, was serving a 120-month sentence for possessing a controlled substance with intent to distribute, possessing a firearm with obliterated serial number, and criminal forfeiture allegation. He had been in custody at the Lompoc prison since February 16, 2018.
Houston is the second Lompoc prison inmate to die of COVID-19.
Oliver M. Boling, 66, died April 10.
Wednesday afternoon, Santa Barbra County reported 69 new cases of COVID-19. County Public Health Director Dr. Van Do Reynoso said 65 of those cases are Lompoc prison inmates. Of the county's 613 total cases, 172 are federal prison inmates.
